labcat01 BSN, RN

labcat01 is a BSN, RN and specializes in ICU, CVICU.

Latest Activity

1. 

   How is CVICU different from ICU?

   labcat01 replied to BonewaxRN's topic in CCU

   You probably need to ask the unit where you plan to interview. In my CVICU, we recover heart patients (CABGs, Valves, etc). We also recover and care for heart and lung transplants, ECMO patients, IABPs, and every kind of VAD under the sun. We also ge...
2. 

   CCRN & Laura Gasparis videos

   labcat01 replied to patientadv's topic in General Nursing

   I took and passed the CCRN this June using mainly her cds to study for the test. I'd recommend them to anyone! If I had further questions on a topic, I used the PASS CCRN book to read up on it and then did the practice questions on the cd. Good luck...
3. 

   Anyone heard anything about no more masters degrees?

   labcat01 replied to quetepye's topic in Advanced

   Personally, I am worried. There are 3 big nursing schools where I live and one has already gotten rid of it's MSN-ACNP program. Another school is phasing out it's MSN program so that after next year it is admitting only to the DNP program. So, whethe...
4. 

   ccrn exam prep

   labcat01 replied to tamcal413's topic in CCU

   This is correct- according to the website: AACN Certification Corporation I agree that hospitals do tend to favor the CCRN exam and fear that you may be ineligible if you are audited. It will take you more time to study depending on your experien...
5. 

   A few questions

   labcat01 replied to JustatWonder1990's topic in General Nursing

   If you are worried about your BP, you should talk to your doctor or cardiologist about it. We can't give medical advice on All Nurses and even if we could, it sounds like you have a medical history slightly more complicated then the average person. T...
6. 

   Advice from experienced RNs please!!!!!

   labcat01 replied to Missy89's topic in SRNA

   yes! so true- i don't know anyone liked nursing in nursing school. it is a bit different once you are out of there. you've gotten great advice so far. i would really try to get some experience as a critical care nurse before you make any big decision...
7. 

   I think Oprah gave my patient tachycardia

   labcat01 replied to uthscsanurse07's topic in CCU

   Haha! That episode was on when I was working the other day and it was freaking my pt's family out! They were asking me about MRSA and necrotizing fasciitis. I told them to turn of the TV - that's like watching a movie about plane crashes on a transco...
8. 

   Shift Assignments - Who bugs you the most?

   labcat01 replied to Tait's topic in General Nursing

   I'm afraid I might fit into some of those descriptions. Sigh! I'll be sure to give my CN a big hug at work tomorrow and try my best not to complain about my assignment :)
9. 

   Multiple BP meds & dialysis- to give or not to give.......

   labcat01 replied to groovy jeff's topic in MICU

   I think you definitely did the right thing. It is never a bad thing to ask questions or to refrain from doing things you are not comfortable with. I think that shocker29 gave you some spot-on advice. Good luck!
10. 

    Med Errors

    labcat01 replied to UM Review RN's topic in General Nursing

    Ditto
11. 

    Offered a job today and flattered, but stumped.

    labcat01 replied to nursalicious's topic in General Nursing

    Personally, I would never take a job in case management- it is just way too stressful (at least it is in my hospital). Plus, I just can't stand all the paperwork and red tape. No thanks! Cath lab recovery would be an awesome job- I think. Maybe not a...
12. 

    cardiac for dummies, website or book

    labcat01 replied to akittr00's topic in CCU

    Hi- I think it depends on who you talk to. Some of the nurses I know say it takes as much as 5 years to get comfortable on a new unit- agh! Here are two general websites that I like: http://www.icufaqs.org -------> General ICU stuff http://www.p...
13. 

    ED Admissions

    labcat01 replied to ashleyjean3's topic in MICU

    LOL!!! I don't get what the issue is- the ER nurse calls report and if they get delayed what's the BFD? It's better for the ER nurses to bring the patients to ICU. In the ER at my hospital, the nurses usually have 4-5 patients of their own and most e...
14. 

    Concerns about getting a MA as an NP with the DNP coming to the forefront

    labcat01 replied to mskate's topic in Doctoral

    I couldn't agree more. I have the same concerns as the OP and this DNP business has me seriously considering PA school. I'm hoping that it is never going to be mandatory. If we really needed a doctorate level advanced nursing practice, I wish that th...
15. 

    Any words of wisdom?

    labcat01 replied to CABG patch kid's topic in CCU

    Here's my advice- Have a good organized report sheet. It doesn't have to be fancy or special (I take a piece of paper, fold it in half, and write things down by system). At the bottom of the report sheet is my "to do list" where I keep a list of the ...